A nurse is discussing the differences between skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?

Clients with skin traction have more mobility than those with skeletal traction.

Clients with skin traction have more discomfort than those with skeletal traction.

Skeletal traction is more appropriate than skin traction for reducing a fracture.

Skeletal traction has less risk for infection than skin traction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

Skin traction is indeed less restrictive than skeletal traction, allowing for more mobility. It is applied using bandages or adhesive material to the skin, which can be removed or adjusted more easily than the pins or screws used in skeletal traction. This type of traction is typically used for short-term treatment before surgery or when the injury is less severe.

Choice B reason:

Discomfort levels can vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the traction. However, skin traction is generally considered to be less painful than skeletal traction because it is less invasive and applies less force. Skeletal traction, which involves the insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, is likely to cause more discomfort due to the invasive nature of the procedure.

Choice C reason:

Skeletal traction is more appropriate for reducing fractures, especially in cases where a greater force is needed to align the bones. It involves the surgical insertion of pins or wires directly into the bone, allowing for a stronger and more stable pull that is necessary for the realignment of complex fractures.

Choice D reason:

Skeletal traction carries a higher risk of infection compared to skin traction because it is more invasive. The insertion of pins or wires into the bone creates a potential entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infection at the site of insertion.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Keeping artificial nails trimmed is a recommended practice in healthcare settings to maintain effective hand hygiene. Long nails can harbor bacteria and make it difficult to clean hands thoroughly. However, the CDC does not provide specific guidelines on the length of artificial nails for healthcare workers.

Choice B reason:
When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile, it is recommended to wash hands with soap and water rather than using alcohol-based hand rubs. Alcohol-based hand rubs are not effective against C. difficile spores. Therefore, thorough handwashing with soap and water is necessary to remove spores.

Choice C reason:
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent that provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and is recommended for hand hygiene in certain situations, such as before invasive procedures or for clients who are immunosuppressed. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a suitable choice for immunocompromised patients to reduce the risk of infection.

Choice D reason:
The use of alcohol-based hand rubs before administering eye drops is not specifically recommended. While hand hygiene is essential before any contact with a patient, there is no particular preference for alcohol-based hand rubs in this context. The primary concern is to ensure that hands are clean to prevent contamination of the eye drops or the patient's eyes.

A. Apply a foot plate to the bed. B. Reposition the client to keep him from staying in the same position in bed. C. Remove the weights for a few minutes each hour. D. Apply lotion to the skin under the edges of the splint.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Applying a foot plate to the bed is not primarily intended to prevent pressure points from developing around the edges of the splint. A foot plate can help in maintaining proper alignment and preventing foot drop, but it does not address the issue of pressure points caused by the splint.

Choice B reason:
Repositioning the client is a key intervention to prevent pressure points. By changing the client's position regularly, the nurse can ensure that no single area is under prolonged pressure, which could lead to skin breakdown and pressure sores. This is particularly important in clients with limited mobility due to skeletal traction.

Choice C reason:
Removing the weights for a few minutes each hour is not a standard practice for preventing pressure points in balanced skeletal traction. The weights are integral to maintaining the necessary pull on the fractured femur, and their removal could disrupt the traction setup and potentially affect fracture healing.

Choice D reason:
Applying lotion to the skin under the edges of the splint is not recommended as it could soften the skin and make it more susceptible to injury. Instead, padding and proper positioning are used to protect the skin from the hard edges of the splint.

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A nurse is discussing the differences between skeletal and skin traction with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A charge nurse is teaching a group of healthcare workers about hand hygiene to prevent infection. Which of the following information should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for balanced skeletal traction with a Thomas splint for the treatment of a fractured femur. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent pressure points from developing around the edges of the splint?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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